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A HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is defined as a residential property where three or more tenants from different households reside, sharing basic amenities such as bathrooms and toilets. Each tenant typically has their own bedroom but shares living spaces, including kitchens and other communal areas.

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Key Characteristics:

• Occupancy: An HMO is occupied by multiple individuals who are not part of the same household.
• Shared Facilities: Tenants share facilities like bathrooms, kitchens, and sometimes living rooms.
• Types: HMOs can vary in form, including large shared houses predominantly housing students or smaller properties known as bedsits, where residents have their own rooms but share communal facilities.

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Legal Definition: According to UK law, a property qualifies as an HMO if:

• Three or more tenants form more than one household.
• They share a bathroom or kitchen.
• The property is not entirely self-contained (meaning there are shared areas). 

Legal Definition: In Germany (WG / Wohngemeinschaft):

• Multiple independent persons, usually unrelated, living together in a rented apartment
• Each person typically has their own room
• Common areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or living room are shared

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How does HMO relate to Coliving?

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Similarities

• Shared Living Spaces: Both HMOs and coliving spaces involve residents sharing communal areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms, whilst having private bedrooms.
• Affordability: Both models aim to provide cost-effective housing, making them popular in urban areas with high living costs.
• Multiple Households: Residents in both setups typically come from different households and aren't biologically related.

Differences

• Community Focus: Coliving emphasises fostering a sense of community through shared values, organised events, and communal activities. HMOs, on the other hand, do not prioritise social interaction; any sense of community arises informally among tenants.
• Services and Amenities: Coliving spaces often include additional services like cleaning, Wi-Fi, utilities, and access to amenities such as coworking spaces or gyms. HMOs generally offer basic facilities, and services like utilities or cleaning may not always be included in the rent.
• Design and Purpose: Coliving spaces are purpose-built or designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among residents, with thoughtfully curated communal areas. HMOs are typically traditional rental properties adapted for shared living without an emphasis on design or community building.
• Flexibility: Coliving spaces often provide short-term or flexible leases to cater to transient populations like students, young professionals.. HMOs usually operate under standard tenancy agreements with less flexibility.